Which condition is characterized by "spikes" on the basement membrane and "dome-like" subepithelial deposits?

Membranous glomerulonephritis is characterized by the presence of "spikes" on the basement membrane due to subepithelial immune complex deposition. This condition leads to a thickening of the glomerular capillary wall. The spikes represent the projections of the membrane into the subepithelial space, which are the result of immunological processes where antibodies may target podocytes, leading to the formation of these deposits.

The "dome-like" appearance of these deposits refers to the shape of the immune complexes accumulating beneath the podocyte layer, contributing to the characteristic histological findings seen in this condition. These features create a distinctive pattern on microscopy, typically requiring a silver stain or electron microscopy to visualize the spikes and subepithelial deposits effectively.

This condition is often associated with nephrotic syndrome and presents with significant proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema. The identification of these characteristics is crucial for diagnosing membranous glomerulonephritis and differentiating it from other types of glomerular diseases.